Page 7 of Caught in the Crossfire

Rod descended the stairs. “The EMTs are ready to transport Nicole, Ethan. You want to assign an officer to stand guard?”

“I’ll be with her,” Mason said.

“Someone from Fortress will also be at the hospital.” Linc slid his phone from his pocket. “Mason and Nicole are part of the Fortress extended family. We’ll handle the security.”

Rod nodded. “What about Dawn?”

“Nicole and Dawn are a package deal.” Linc glanced at Mason. “I know you can handle yourself, but you’ll be able to concentrate on her if someone else has your back.”

“Thanks.” He’d been on Fortress missions in the past and stood watch so operatives would be able to sleep for a few hours. Being on the recipient end was odd.

The EMTs assisted Nicole down the stairs with Dawn following close behind. Mason met them at the foot of the stairs. “We’ll follow you to the hospital.”

Linc walked outside, phone pressed to his ear.

“What about Cosmo?” Dawn asked. “We can’t leave him in the SUV.”

“We’re working on arrangements for him,” Ethan said. “I’ll make sure he’s taken care of. Nicole, leave your keys with me and I’ll transport your vehicle to the house.”

She passed him the keys. “Thanks, Ethan.”

“No problem.” The chief turned to Dawn. “You should be checked by a doctor as well, Dawn.”

Mason frowned. “Are you hurt, too?”

Dawn waved off his concern. “I’m fine.”

Nicole scowled. “Hey, if I have to go, so do you. You said the guy who came barreling out of the house manhandled you. I know you’re bruised.”

“Aww, come on, Nic.”

Linc returned, his gaze locking on Dawn for a moment. Finally, he tore his gaze away and shifted his attention to Mason. “Alex will be here in ten minutes to pick up Cosmo. What’s going on?”

“The man who hurt Nicole also put his hands on Dawn. She doesn’t want to go to the hospital.”

“We need to get going,” one of the EMTs said and started toward the door with his partner and Nicole.

“I’m not that bad off,” Nicole protested. “Linc, would you mind if I rode to the hospital with you?”

“Of course not.” He glanced at the EMTs. “I’ll take her. I know you have other duties.”

The medical technician pointed at Nicole. “Don’t try to talk your way out of going, Nicole. You need stitches.”

Her cheeks flushed. “You can forget a discount the next time you bring Tiger in for a grooming appointment, Abel,” she muttered.

“I’ll be happy to pay full price if I know you’re healthy.”

Dawn’s smile was shaky. “Couldn’t have said it better myself.”

After Abel and his partner left, Rod went back upstairs. “Time for you to go,” Ethan said to Mason. “This is a crime scene. Rod and I will be at the hospital later to take statements from Nicole and Dawn. Until we identify and arrest the man who killed Ms. Kemper, you should be vigilant. If you notice anything amiss, call me immediately.”

“Let’s go,” Linc said. He motioned for Mason, Nicole, and Dawn to wait, then he scanned the area before allowing them outside. “Straight to the SUV, Mase.” His gaze settled on Dawn. “You, too.”

“I’m fine. Honest.”

“I’ll feel better if a doctor agrees with you, and so will Nicole.”

With a grimace, Nicole’s employee gave a nod and walked outside with Linc.

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